Your home windows are your gateway to the outside world. Peering through your windows you can keep an eye on the kids playing in the yard, peek to see what that bump was in the middle of the night, or perhaps even lose yourself in nature’s beauty. Through your windows you are able to see quite a lot, but when was the last time you focused on your actual windows? Your windows have a life expectancy of about 20 years, as you begin to creep up to this number you may notice drafts coming in from around your frames, discoloured and damaged frames, and it may be harder to open and close your windows. These are all indications that a window replacement project should be completed soon.

With so many window manufacturers and installers out there, where do you start?

Here is our list of the biggest mistakes to avoid while buying replacement windows.

1. Not Knowing Your Options

Over the past 20-30 years window options and styles have changed. Understanding what types of windows you would like installed and in which areas of your home, will drastically assist you in making your decision. You don’t need to stick to what you are used to. Just because all of your windows are currently sliders, it doesn’t mean they need to be replaced with sliders. You can opt for casement, double-hung or even picture windows if you choose.

2. Not Looking into Warranties

Most windows come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in the building of the window or its materials, but what isn’t covered by the manufacturer are issues that arise due to faulty installation. Work with a reputable installation company that backs their work with a workmanship protection program. This ensures that you are covered if the window fails or if an error is made during the installation.

3. Focusing on Aesthetics

Replacing your windows will help with your home’s curb appeal, and may even make it more enjoyable to look out from in your home. But paying attention strictly to aesthetics is a big mistake. Understanding your window’s security features are very important. Your windows help keep would be burglars and intruders out, so ensuring they have strong locking mechanisms and are built solid are important for your family’s safety.

4. Ignoring the Energy Efficiencies

Based on how today’s windows are constructed, your replacement windows will automatically be more energy efficient then your old ones. However, understanding the different energy saving features and how they can benefit you in long term energy cost reductions are important. You may opt to go with double pane windows versus triple pane, which is a common choice. For roughly $30-$50 more per window, you can save hundreds per year with the energy saving from adding argon gas between your panes. Having a low-E coating will also help save on energy costs.

5. Not Partnering With a Reputable Installer

No matter how well manufactured your windows are, they will only be as good as the installation. You may be tempted to install your windows on your own, or find a general contractor to do the job at a discounted rate, but unless you or the contractor have a background in window installation, leave it to the professionals. A professional window installation company will have all the required tools and experience to do the job right. When the old windows are removed, there is a high chance that an underlying problem with the frame or the old window will arise, professionals will know how to handle these scenarios. As well, a reputable company will provide you a warranty on the workmanship, which we outlined is important above. A quick way to assess if the company you are looking to hire is good at what they do, is by checking their reviews online. Look at both the positive and the negative and see how they handled the bad ones.

Replacing the windows in your home is a big investment, make sure you protect your investment by not falling into one or more of these common mistakes outlined above.